FedEx is the total package

FedEx Corp. is the total package as far as employers go, Regina Jamison says.

Many workers, like Jamison, come to the publicly traded shipping company for its reputation on pay and benefits — FedEx is known for offering full benefits to part-time employees — and stay for the growth opportunities.

That mix helped contribute to FedEx landing in the No. 5 large company spot on the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces survey, conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, an Exton, Pa.-based consultancy.

The Memphis, Tenn.-based company emphasizes community service with its FedEx Cares Week. Locally, that has included cleaning up litter from Montrose Beach and marching in the Bud Billiken Parade.

Such initiatives resonate with Jamison, who has led several service projects.

"My passion is the FedEx Cares program," said Jamison, who joined the company 18 years ago. She worked as a handler for two years, then in an office, before a manager saw something in her that she didn't. He tapped her to train for a higher-paying, more flexible driver position.

"I said, 'You're out of your tree.' I'm Miss Prissy. High heels and designer suits, all that," Jamison said. But she trusted the leader, and praises management for working with employees to reach personal goals.

"My goal is to semiretire and work part time and get a degree in education," Jamison said. "You can take your life and structure it around to where FedEx can really, really assist you in achieving your goals."

The company tends to promote from within is ranks of 300,000 worldwide, including 2,400 in the Chicago area and 10,000 in the state.

"It's a policy that allows our employees to make use of their skills and grow within the company," said Human Resource Manager Albert Shenouda, 55. "All of our senior leaders in the company have started their FedEx career as hourly employees."

Such was the case with Mike St. Martin, vice president of regional operations, who started as a customer service agent in 1983 before moving to a courier position and then into management.

"I really loved how open the communication was with upper management. Front-line managers would come and talk directly to hourly employees," St. Martin said. "That continues today."

Benefits are fairly typical, including medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, up to $3,000 a year in college tuition reimbursement and various discounts for travel and dining. Each year, the company surveys every employee anonymously about work life, managers and the environment.

"We know that if we have a content or happy or engaged workforce, they will deliver outstanding services to our customers, which will, in fact, drive profit in the long run," said Shenouda, a 20-year veteran. "That's the foundation of our company."

In September, FedEx blamed a weak global economy for its first quarterly decline since 2009. The company had previously announced a voluntary buyout.

The news didn't shake courier Paul Hobbs, who has been with the company for 20 years.

"I'm confident that our leadership has and continues to structure itself in a way that ensures continued viability," Hobbs said. "We're making sure we do our part."